Forget historical epics, superhero spin-offs, or shocking true crime scandals, when it comes to TV dramas, it doesn’t get more gripping – or worryingly realistic – as a political thriller that is grounded in reality.
The Diplomat returns to Netflix later this month for a second season, after its debut run in 2023 broke records for the streamer.
Here’s all you need to know about the cast, filming locations, and the future of The Diplomat.
What happens in The Diplomat season two?
The Diplomat follows Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), the newly appointed United States ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Thrust into the midst of an international crisis, Kate must also juggle her deteriorating marriage to fellow diplomat Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), while finding her place in the global spotlight and navigating allies from enemies.
Season two picks up just minutes after the cliffhanger ending of the first season, with the impact of a deadly explosion threatening to turn Kate’s world apart.
A synopsis was released via Tudum, and explains: ‘A deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters US Ambassador Kate Wyler’s (Keri Russell) world. Struggling to rebuild the lives that broke and a team that split apart, Kate’s worst fears unfold: The attack that brought her to the UK didn’t come from a rival nation, it came from inside the British government.’
‘As she chases the truth, her only real ally is her almost-ex-husband Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), very much alive, and very much involved. She faces a fraught marriage, a complex dynamic with British foreign secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney).’
Where was The Diplomat filmed?
Season one of The Diplomat included iconic filming locations such as the Louvre in Paris, London’s Royal Naval College, and the idyllic landscapes of the Cotswolds, so the pressure was on for the show to build on that for its return.
‘Season two has really expanded on the scope and scale of the show, because the scope and scale of the story has really grown,’ explains series director Alex Graves.
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
When it comes to instantly recognisable London locations, it doesn’t get much bigger – literally – than St Paul’s Cathedral.
During the four-day shoot at St Paul’s, the production borrowed robes from the cathedral. ‘The robes our clergy wore were lent to us by the cathedral. It was the fourth time they’d ever been worn, including Winston Churchill’s funeral, and Margaret Thatcher’s. It was breathtaking,’ producer Debora Cahn tells Tudum.
The iconic London landmark has featured in a string of classic movies from Paddington 2 and Wonka, to the Harry Potter movies and Mary Poppins Returns.
Inveraray Castle, Scotland
Scotland’s Inveraray Castle is the main setting of the third and fourth episodes, with the action also venturing into the streets of Inveraray Town, with production descending on the area for a two-week shoot.
Inveraray Castle and its vast gardens are open to visitors between March and October. The wider estate is open to walkers 365 days of the year, for those willing to brave the Scottish weather.
Other esteemed TV shows to be filmed at Inveraray Castle include Downton Abbey and A Very British Scandal.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Winston Churchill’s birthplace is used as a filming location towards the end of the season, although plot points are being kept tightly under wraps for now.
The list of movies filmed at Blenheim Palace include Bridgerton, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Disney’s live-action Cinderella, and spy thriller Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation.
Blenheim Palace is open to visitors throughout the year, with exclusive Bridgerton tours, taking viewers behind-the scenes, with a string quartet to complete the ambience.
Wilton House, Salisbury
The property was recently used for Disney+ series Rivals, and has previously served as a key location on screen in The Crown, Pride & Prejudice, and Bridgerton.
Wilton House is currently closed for winter, but will reopen to visitors in 2025.
Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire
Scenes of the US Ambassador’s residence were filmed at Wrotham Park, a large country estate in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
Wrotham Park has previously been used as a filming location for Netflix gangster series The Gentlemen, and period dramas The Crown, Bridgerton, and Downton Abbey.
The real US Ambassador’s residence is Winfield House, located in Regent’s Park, just a short distance from London Zoo.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, London
Hats off to the production team for landing the UK’s Foreign Office as a location.
Specific areas inside the site used for filming include the Durbar Court, where coronation celebrations of King Edward VII were held in 1902.
The Grand Staircase also features in the scenes, with its red carpet and various sculptures and busts of previous foreign secretaries.
Glen Torridon, Scotland
The picturesque hills that make up the landscape of Scotland’s Glen Torridon date back over 750 million years.
The stunning location has previously featured in Outlander and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Glen Torridon is a paradise for hikers, geologists and nature lovers. Visitors can even spot otters fishing in the lakes, or take part in an archaeology dig, thanks to the National Trust for Scotland.
Syon House, London
Located near Kew Gardens, the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland was built in the sixteenth century on the site of the Medieval Syon Abbey, and is open to visitors from January to October.
Syon House has previously been used as a filming location for Bridgerton, Napoleon, and Transformers: The Last Knight.
Who is in the cast of The Diplomat?
Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, the newly appointed US diplomat to the UK, who faces a baptism of fire as she helps to defuse an international crisis in her first days in the role.
The actress has a diverse list of screen credits, including Mission: Impossible III, Cocaine Bear, and starring in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as masked mercenary Zorrii Bliss.
Rufus Sewell as Kate’s husband Hal, and one of her only real allies. With his fate left uncertain at the end of season one, fans will be relieved to know Hal is back for the second run, but who knows what the future holds.
Rufus has previously starred in Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle, and Netflix drama Scoop, as Prince Andrew.
Allison Janney (The West Wing) joins the cast as Vice President Grace Penn, an adversary to Kate in the upcoming season.
The Diplomat also stars Ali Ahn (Agatha All Along) as CIA Station Chief Eidra Park, Ato Essandoh (Girls) as Kate’s Chief of Staff Stuart Hayford, and Rory Kinnear (The Rings of Power) as British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge.
Is The Diplomat based on a true story?
In short, no. But the exec producers met with real-life diplomats to make sure everything on screen was as accurate as possible.
‘We consult with a lot of different experts – former ambassadors, diplomats, CIA officers – to get the details right,’ explained producer Janice Williams.
‘As crazy as some of the scenes we shoot seem to be, almost all of them come from a real place. They’re not re-enactments, but the nugget of what’s in those ideas is real.’
How can I watch The Diplomat?
The Diplomat returns to Netflix this month, with six brand-new episodes dropping on Thursday, October 31.
Check out the trailer below for a glimpse at the drama.
Will there be a third season of The Diplomat?
Yes! Fans of the show are in luck, with the future of The Diplomat being confirmed before the second season even airs.
A third season of The Diplomat has been green lit and filming has already kicked off in London and New York City.
‘Season three flips the chessboard,’ showrunner Debora Cahn tells Netflix’s Tudum blog. ‘In Season three, Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want.’
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